Governor Phil Murphy today announced the appointments of Assad Akhter and Rob Field as Deputy Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, Krishna Martes has been promoted to Director of the Office of Labor Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, while Rob Matos-Moran will serve as Director of Legislative Affairs.
“I am thrilled to announce the promotions of Assad Akhter and Rob Field to serve as Deputy Chiefs of Staff,” said Governor Murphy. “Both Rob and Assad have been indispensable members of my team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with elected officials at all levels government. I am confident they will continue to be fantastic assets to my Administration as we work to deliver a stronger and fairer New Jersey for every family.”
Assad Akhter, previously Senior Director of Government Affairs, has worked closely with legislators and stakeholders to advance the Governor's agenda. His past roles include Director of Public Affairs at University Hospital in Newark and Director of Community Relations at St. Joseph’s Health. He also served in Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.'s office for 11 years. Akhter holds a Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.
Robert Field, currently Director of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA), has managed outreach to elected officials across various levels of government since July 2022. Before joining Governor Murphy’s administration, he held positions such as Aide and Speechwriter for Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Field Organizer for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.
Governor Murphy also expressed pride in promoting Krishna Martes and Rob Matos-Moran. “Throughout their time in my Administration, Rob and Krishna have worked to manage stakeholder relationships, connecting our office to people and organizations that are critical to our state. I am excited to see them take on these new roles and continue the important work ahead.”
Krishna Martes, now serving as a Senior Legislative Aide within the Office of Legislative Affairs, will support managing relationships between the Governor's Office and various community leaders in her new role starting July 1st. She joined the Murphy Administration in 2022 after working as a legislative aide for Monmouth County Senator Vin Gopal.
Rob Matos-Moran joined Governor Murphy’s Administration in 2021 as a Senior Outreach Aide and Senior Legislative Aide covering multiple issue areas including education and transportation. He has previous experience working in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Further promotions were announced by Governor Murphy:
- Athina Fassu-Nehemi will be promoted to Senior Legislative Aide II.
- Devin Mulroy will be promoted to Senior Legislative Aide.
- Lance Taylor will join the Legislative Affairs Department as Senior Legislative Aide.
- Kenneth Clayton will be promoted to Senior Aide to the Governor in Outreach.
- Aaron Williams will be promoted to Senior Aide to the Governor in Outreach.
- Riya Kamboj joined the Outreach Department earlier this year.
- Edan Blank will join as an Aide in both Legislative Affairs and Outreach Departments.
The Outreach team continues under Emy Quispe, Deputy Chief of Staff for Labor Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, while Assad Akhter leads the Legislative Affairs Department.
